Wenger wary despite Arsenal lead

Wenger is looking for his first Premier League title since 2004

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits he is surprised that his side have a five-point cushion at the top of the Premier League table.

The Gunners beat Blackburn 2-0 on Monday to extend their lead but Wenger said: "There is still a long way to go.

"We didn't expect to be where we are after this weekend.

"But it is important to keep some humility. This league is very tight - on the day you are not at your best, you can lose to anybody."

Interview: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger

Manchester United's shock defeat by neighbours Manchester City on Sunday was a boost to Arsenal's title hopes, which were also helped by Chelsea being held by Liverpool.

Not many teams can come to the Emirates and take Arsenal on in a passing game and we certainly did that Blackburn boss Mark Hughes

The Gunners were not at their best for long periods against Rovers but still triumphed and Wenger was happy with the outcome.

"It was a very good weekend for us," Wenger added. "But we were a bit under pressure to take advantage of the situation after what happened on Sunday."

"We had a great start and for the first 20 minutes we were outstanding.

"When we dropped the pace a little, Blackburn came into it. But we produced a good defensive performance and they did not create many chances."

It leaves Arsenal in pole position with 12 games to go as they look to secure their first title since 2004.

And Wenger is determined not to let that advantage slip away.

"We are in a good position," he explained. "We believe we can do it - we always had the belief from the first day," Wenger added.

606: DEBATE I don't care about the performance - it's the result that counts goonercymraeg

"It's far from being over. We'll have to fight until the last minute of the championship. We still have hard games ahead of us."

Rovers boss Mark Hughes felt his side acquitted themselves well against the leaders, despite their defeat.

"I was really pleased with how we went about our job," Hughes said.

"Not many teams can come to the Emirates and take Arsenal on in a passing game and we certainly did that.

"I certainly don't think we deserved a two-goal difference.

"We tried to ask questions of a very good side and, on another night, one of the number of opportunities we created in that first half might have been converted."